Justin Knowles is an Associate Attorney at Singleton Schreiber, where he supports clients across the firm’s Fire Litigation, Personal Injury, and Mass Torts practice areas. With a deep commitment to client advocacy and a diverse professional background, Justin brings a practical and compassionate approach to resolving complex legal challenges on behalf of individuals, families, and small businesses. Before joining Singleton Schreiber, Justin volunteered as a legal intern with the California EPA - Department of Toxic Substances Control, where he worked on public health, regulatory, and environmental law issues. He also participated in a clinical externship program working with a civil law firm representing both plaintiffs and defendants. Additionally, Justin worked as a law clerk with a wildfire litigation firm. He was also a legal intern with American Rivers, where he worked on federal hydropower regulation and environmental justice initiatives with a focus on clean energy and public-interest policy. Justin earned his J.D. from California Western School of Law, where he served as the Vice President of the Environmental Law Society, a Board Member of the Student Bar Association, and was admitted into the Pro Bono Honors Society. He holds a B.S. in Geography from the University of Oregon, where he also captained the Ducks Men’s Lacrosse team. Before law school, Justin built a well-rounded career in nonprofit management, real estate law, and urban regenerative agricultural. His prior professional experience continues to shape his communication style, strategic thinking, and dedication to community-centered legal work. Justin is admitted to practice law in California and is a member of the San Diego County Bar Association, Consumer Attorneys of San Diego, California Lawyers Association, and American Bar Association. Outside the office, Justin enjoys surfing, yoga, hiking, and cooking with his family.

Leslie A. Brueckner is a Partner at Singleton Schreiber with over 35 years of appellate litigation experience across a broad spectrum of cases, including constitutional, consumer protection, antitrust, bankruptcy, class actions, environmental law, and more. Prior to joining Singleton Schreiber, Leslie was a Partner at a prominent national law firm, where she helped lead the firm’s national Appellate and Supreme Court Practice Group. Before then, Leslie spent nearly three decades at Public Justice, a national advocacy organization, where she argued and won numerous high-profile appeals, including unanimous decisions from both the California and United States Supreme Courts. (Leslie’s 2019 oral argument in Noel v. Thrifty, a unanimous class action ruling from the California Supreme Court, can be accessed via this link. Her 2002 argument in Sprietsma v. Mercury Marine, a unanimous U.S. Supreme Court decision rejecting federal preemption of tort claims, can be accessed via this link). Leslie also founded Public Justice’s Food Project, which used strategically targeted litigation to address abuses in American’s industrial animal agriculture system. With decades of appellate experience, Leslie plays a key role in enhancing Singleton Schreiber’s ability to manage complex appeals and develop successful litigation strategies. Her extensive track record in high-stakes cases across a range of legal areas continues to solidify the firm’s standing as a leader in precedent-setting litigation for plaintiffs nationwide. A magna cum laude graduate of Harvard Law School and summa cum laude graduate of U.C. Berkeley (where she was recognized as the Most Distinguished Graduating Senior in her class of over 5,000 students), Leslie has been awarded the Pro Bono Achievement Award from the Animal Legal Defense Fund; the Women’s Consumer Advocate of the Year Award from the Consumer Attorneys of California; the Appellate Advocacy Award from the Pound Civil Justice Institute for her 2017 California Supreme Court victory in T.H. v. Novartis (CA 2017), and the Dale Haralson Fallout Award from the Western Trial Lawyers Association. Leslie was also a Finalist for the Appellate Lawyer of the Year Award from the Consumer Attorneys Association of Los Angeles. In addition to her litigation work, Leslie has taught appellate advocacy at the Georgetown University Law Center and the American University, Washington College of Law.

Knut S. Johnson, a fellow of the American College of Trial Lawyers, is the practice group leader for our Environmental Litigation & Policy practice group. He brings over 30 years of experience as a trial attorney to Singleton Schreiber. Representing clients in federal and state courts across the nation, he has handled complex trials, appeals, and habeas corpus proceedings and litigated cases alleging violations of environmental laws, including under the Clean Air Act and the Clean Water Act. Mr. Johnson’s diverse and sophisticated litigation practice has included the representation of many clients, from large corporations to small business owners, and from judges to doctors to entire communities. Together with his many trials and appeals, he has represented clients before the Select Committee to Investigate the January 6 Attack on the U.S. Capitol and the Mueller Special Counsel’s Office investigation. Mr. Johnson has been recognized with many awards and honors, including the American Bar Association’s Standing Committee on the Federal Judiciary, unanimous “Well Qualified” rating (the highest ABA rating) after nomination to U.S. District Court, 2020; Top 50 Attorneys, San Diego Super Lawyers, 2020 and 2019; University of San Diego, School of Law, Distinguished Alumni Award, 2018; America’s Top 100 Attorneys Lifetime Achievement Selection, 2018; Albert Nelson Marquis Lifetime Achievement Award, 2017; Lawyer of the Year, White Collar Criminal Defense, San Diego, Best Lawyers in America, 2016; and the E. Stanley Conant Award, Defenders Organizations of San Diego, 2005 and 2013. He graduated cum laude from the University of San Diego School of Law and before his legal career, Mr. Johnson studied petroleum engineering and geology as an undergraduate and graduate student at Tulane University, where he received the W.A. Tarr Award for outstanding Earth Sciences Graduate. He then worked as a petroleum geologist for a major oil company, where he mapped oil reserves and worked on production estimates and on rigs during the final stages of drilling. He also received a significant amount of professional training in areas like well completion, exploration, and related topics. Mr. Johnson is licensed to practice in the state courts of Arizona, California, New Mexico, New York, Oregon, and Washington. In addition, he is admitted to practice in the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Second, Eighth, and Ninth Circuits, as well as many different U.S. District Courts. He is also admitted to practice before the International Criminal Court, The Hague, Netherlands. He has served as the Chair of the Practitioners Advisory Group to the United States Sentencing Commission and testified before the Commission on several occasions. He presently serves on the Ethics Committee for the San Diego County Bar Association.

Gigi Vernon is a member of Singleton Schreiber’s Mass Tort Litigation practice group, where she leads a team handling complex national cases. She plays a key role in the Glucagon-Like Peptide-1 Receptor Agonists (GLP-1 RAs) Products Liability Litigation, advocating for individuals injured by diabetes and weight-loss drugs. She also contributes to the Hair Relaxer litigation and is actively involved in the emerging Terbutaline litigation, as well as other personal injury matters. Earlier in her career, Ms. Vernon represented victims of some of California’s most devastating wildfires, including the Camp Fire, Thomas Fire, Woolsey Fire, Kincade Fire, North Bay Fires, and Butte Fire, gaining extensive experience in large-scale disaster recovery. Before joining Singleton Schreiber, she gained valuable experience in family law and immigration law and completed an internship with the Federal Defenders of San Diego, where she participated in criminal trials. She holds dual degrees in psychology and criminal justice from Florida International University, where she graduated at the top of her class, and earned her J.D. with a specialization in dispute resolution. As a native Spanish speaker, Ms. Vernon communicates with ease and empathy with clients whose first language is Spanish. She is skilled at breaking down complex legal issues into clear, accessible terms, ensuring that clients feel informed and supported throughout the legal process. Ms. Vernon is admitted to practice in California state and federal courts. Ms. Vernon is also widely recognized for her commitment to community advocacy, particularly for families of children with special needs. She uses her knowledge of the California Department of Education and the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA) to guide parents through the process of securing services and supports, while educating families on their rights. She also organizes autism awareness events, creating spaces for families to connect, share resources, and access guidance. A Miami, Florida native, Ms. Vernon is an active leader in the children’s ministry at her church. She loves to travel and values time spent with family and friends.

Taylor Marrinan is an Associate Attorney at Singleton Schreiber, where he focuses on civil rights litigation. A former public defender with extensive courtroom experience, Taylor brings a deep commitment to protecting constitutional rights and advocating for those who have been wronged by systems of power. Prior to joining Singleton Schreiber, Taylor represented hundreds of indigent clients facing a wide range of criminal charges. His work as a public defender equipped him with substantial trial experience, including conducting jury trials, litigating complex motions, and engaging in strategic negotiations to achieve favorable outcomes for his clients. This foundation shapes his approach to civil rights cases, where he draws on his courtroom skills and unwavering dedication to justice to hold institutions accountable and secure meaningful results for his clients. Taylor earned his Juris Doctor from the University of San Diego School of Law, graduating cum laude. During law school, he was an active member of the National Mock Trial Team and received the Pro Bono Service Award with Distinction, recognizing his commitment to serving underserved communities. He holds a Bachelor of Arts in Philosophy from the University of California, Los Angeles and is a member of the National Police Accountability Project. Outside of his legal practice, Taylor spends his free time with his wife and son, often exploring the outdoors together. He is an avid snowboarder and, as a lifelong Padres fan, loves catching home games at Petco Park.

Bridget Hulburt is In-House Counsel at Singleton Schreiber, where she brings a strong foundation in plaintiff-side advocacy to her current role supporting the Firm’s Operations team. Prior to transitioning in-house, Ms. Hulburt built a career representing victims in class action and mass tort litigation. Her diverse experience also includes environmental litigation, medical malpractice, personal injury, employment disputes, and other consumer law matters. Advocating for individuals against powerful corporations and bad actors has always been the cornerstone of Ms. Hulburt’s legal practice. Ms. Hulburt earned her Juris Doctor from California Western School of Law, where she externed with the Community Law Project, and holds a Bachelor of Arts in Psychology from the University of Portland. She is admitted to practice in California state courts and the U.S. District Court for the Central District of California. She is also an active member of the Consumer Attorneys of San Diego, Lawyers Club of San Diego, San Diego County Bar Association, and California Lawyers Association. Informed by her prior civil litigation experience, Ms. Hulburt now applies her client advocacy skills to the Firm by advising our attorneys on legal ethics, employment, and contractual matters. As a San Diego native, Ms. Hulburt enjoys her weekends at the beach and trying new restaurants.

Vinh To is an associate attorney in Singleton Schreiber’s fire litigation practice in our San Diego office. As a part of his work, he represents victims of devastating wildfires across California to ensure they receive justice for the losses they endured. Before obtaining his law degree, Mr. To developed his legal foundation by working as an assistant at the Office of the Attorney General for D.C. and as a legal assistant at a prominent San Diego firm, where he worked in corporate and employment law. Subsequently, Mr. To joined Singleton Schreiber as a law clerk during law school, where he gained invaluable experience preparing wildfire claims and mediation packets. His strong foundation in fire litigation, combined with a deep commitment to advocating for plaintiffs, allows him to bring both expertise and passion to his work. Vinh earned his law degree from the University of San Diego School of Law, where he was awarded CALI honors for achieving the highest grades in Advanced Legal Research and Contract Drafting. As a student, he volunteered with the Appellate Clinic, where he and his peers researched and drafted briefs on asylum, withholding of removal, and the Convention Against Torture. His dedication was recognized when he was named the Appellate Clinic’s Outstanding Intern.

Erik Renner serves as an Associate Attorney in Singleton Schreiber's San Diego office, where he primarily focuses on fire litigation, representing individuals and families impacted by utility-caused wildfires. After joining the firm as a Post Bar Law Clerk, Erik transitioned to his current role, bringing a strong commitment to advocacy and a dedication to helping fire victims seek justice. Before joining Singleton Schreiber, he gained valuable legal experience through an externship with Judge Nordby in the Administrative Law Judge's department at the U.S. Department of Labor. He also worked with Legal Aid at Work, where he counseled clients on employment law issues and helped them navigate their legal options. This diverse background in protecting individuals' rights informs his client-centered approach and his ability to guide fire victims through complex legal challenges during difficult personal moments. Erik earned his Bachelor of Arts in History from the University of California, Los Angeles, in 2020, where he graduated magna cum laude. He received his Juris Doctor from the University of California Law, San Francisco, in 2025. He is admitted to practice in all state and federal courts in California. Outside the office, Erik enjoys sports, reading, and spending time with family.

John Paul serves as an Associate Attorney in the Environmental Litigation practice group at Singleton Schreiber, where he is committed to advocating for individuals and communities impacted by environmental harm. With a foundation in both public service and legal practice, John brings a unique perspective to his work, combining rigorous legal training with a proven track record of service and leadership. Prior to joining Singleton Schreiber, John’s legal experience included pro bono immigration work representing asylum claimants living with HIV and AIDS, patent prosecution in the fields of remote sensors and medical devices, and internships at the Superior Court of San Francisco and the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Northern District of California. Before entering law, John served as an active-duty Marine Infantry Officer, deploying four times overseas and gaining extensive leadership experience in challenging environments. John earned his law degree from the University of California, College of the Law, San Francisco where he won recognition in national moot court competitions and participated in the UC Law Business Journal. He holds a B.S. in Mechanical Engineering from the United States Naval Academy, where he was a varsity lightweight rower and a member of the Formula Society of Automotive Engineers racing team. He is admitted to practice in California and before the United States Patent and Trademark Office. Outside of his legal work, John is an avid outdoorsman and environmental enthusiast. He enjoys backpacking, keeping bees, and mushroom foraging with his wife. John brings the same discipline, curiosity, and commitment to stewardship that define his professional work to his life beyond the office.

Jon Cadieux is a member of Singleton Schreiber’s Fire Litigation practice group and has extensive experience preparing wildfire cases for trial and mediation. He also has expertise in employment law and municipal law. Early in his legal career, Mr. Cadieux worked with Gerald Singleton in litigation stemming from the 2007 San Diego wildfires. He then joined a firm dedicated to labor and employment law, where he spent 11 years representing workers in a variety of forums, helping them secure better pay, safer working conditions, and protection from workplace harassment. After a year working as a deputy city attorney, Mr. Cadieux returned to Singleton Schreiber to represent fire victims once again. Mr. Cadieux earned a bachelor’s degree in political science from the University of California, San Diego before graduating cum laude from California Western School of Law. He is admitted to practice in California state courts, the U.S. District Court for the Southern District of California, and the Ninth Circuit Court of Appeals. In his leisure time, Mr. Cadieux enjoys music, gardening, and everything about raising his son, including coaching his youth soccer team.